Moroccan international midfielder Azzedine Ounahi has officially completed a four-year transfer to Panathinaikos FC, returning to the Greek Super League club after previously featuring on loan from Spanish side Girona, according to club announcements reported by regional sports outlets.
A Definitive Return to Athens
The 26-year-old attacking midfielder returns to the Greek capital on a permanent four-year contract, as confirmed by Panathinaikos. The club noted in an official statement that the player comes back to reinforce the squad in its pursuit of domestic and European ambitions. During his initial 2024–2025 loan stint with the Athenian club, Ounahi made 37 appearances, scored five goals, and contributed seven assists, quickly establishing himself as a fan favorite before his brief spell in La Liga with Girona.
From Casablanca to Global Stardom
Ounahi’s football journey began as a product of the Academy Mohammed VI of football before he passed through Raja Casablanca’s youth system. He moved to France in 2018 to join Strasbourg, later earning a move to the French top flight with Angers. His breakout moment arrived on the international stage during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he played a pivotal role in helping the Atlas Lions become the first African nation to reach the tournament’s semi-finals. Following those stellar performances, he signed with Marseille in January 2023, where he later helped guide the French outfit to the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League during the 2023–2024 campaign.
International Impact with the Atlas Lions
With the Moroccan national team, Ounahi has accumulated 55 appearances and 11 goals to date. His international career highlights include shining performances at successive major tournaments, cementing his status as a core component of Morocco’s midfield alongside appearances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and finals. Panathinaikos officials highlighted that his acquisition brings valuable elite experience to a squad aiming to reassert its dominance at the summit of Greek football.
Related reading
